By Krishna Dua 
Coolie 2025 Roars to Life with Vintage Rajini Swag, Mixed Reviews
The much-anticipated cinematic event of the year, Coolie, has exploded onto screens today, marking the electrifying return of Superstar Rajinikanth in his trademark vintage style. Directed by the acclaimed Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film’s release has been nothing short of a festival, with fans flocking to theaters across the globe, celebrating with milk showers, dancing, and a frenzy that only a Rajinikanth film can command. The film, which also features a significant cameo by Bollywood star Aamir Khan, has ignited a firestorm of discussion online. Early reactions are a mixed bag: while fans are exhilarated by the raw energy, Rajinikanth’s irresistible swag, and a powerful climax, a segment of the audience and critics are pointing to a slow-paced screenplay and some narrative flaws. The film’s ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate, the first for a Rajinikanth starrer in 36 years, has also been a major talking point, signaling a gritty, no-holds-barred action spectacle from the veteran superstar.
The buzz around Coolie has been building for months, fueled by the collaboration between Rajinikanth, a living legend celebrating his 50th year in cinema, and Lokesh Kanagaraj, one of the most exciting young directors in the industry. The film’s plot, which was kept tightly under wraps, revolves around a mysterious man who takes on a corrupt syndicate exploiting workers in a port town. The director’s promise of bringing back “vintage Rajini” has been the film’s primary selling point, with promotional materials showcasing the superstar’s classic look and action style reminiscent of his iconic roles from the 80s and 90s. This nostalgic appeal, combined with the director’s signature brand of high-octane action, had set expectations soaring to stratospheric levels. The pre-release excitement translated into a massive box office start, with advance bookings breaking records both domestically and internationally.
A Star-Studded Affair with a Raw Edge
One of the most talked-about aspects of Coolie is its star-studded cast. The film features an ensemble of powerhouse actors including Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Upendra, and Shruti Haasan, each bringing their own distinct fan base to the theaters. However, the most significant surprise was the casting of Aamir Khan in a pivotal cameo role. This reunion of two cinematic legends after nearly three decades—their last film together was the 1995 Hindi film Aatank Hi Aatank—added a new dimension of excitement. Aamir Khan’s appearance, particularly in the film’s powerful climax, has been lauded by many fans, who felt his short but impactful role was a fitting tribute to his long-standing friendship with Rajinikanth.
The film’s ‘A’ certificate, a rarity for a Rajinikanth film which usually targets a family-friendly ‘U/A’ audience, was a bold decision by the filmmakers. The last time the superstar had a film with an ‘A’ rating was in 1989 for Siva. This certification was a clear signal that the film would not shy away from intense violence and mature themes, a hallmark of director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s previous works like Kaithi and Vikram. The director and producers, Sun Pictures, chose to release the film in its original, uncompromised form, rather than editing it down for a broader audience. While this decision has been a key factor in the film’s gritty appeal for a segment of the audience, it has also sparked a debate, with some fans requesting a more family-friendly version for younger viewers.
The Verdict: Vintage Swag vs. Pacing Issues
The first-day, first-show reviews, both from critics and the audience, have been a testament to the polarized nature of the film. On one hand, hardcore Rajinikanth fans are celebrating a grand comeback, asserting that the film is a masterclass in mass entertainment. Social media is abuzz with tweets and posts praising the superstar’s energetic performance, his charismatic dialogue delivery, and the stylish action sequences. The film’s first half, in particular, has been singled out for its fast pace and gripping plot twists. The interval block, a signature element in Lokesh’s filmmaking, has been described as an “unreal banger” that left the audience screaming with excitement.
“This is the Rajini we have been waiting for!” exclaimed a fan outside a theater in Chennai. “The swag, the style, the punch dialogues—it’s all there, and it’s electric. The climax is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time.” Many reviews highlight the strong performances from the supporting cast, particularly Nagarjuna as the antagonist, who has been praised for his menacing presence. The background score by Anirudh Ravichander is being hailed as another major highlight, with the music perfectly complementing the high-octane action and Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life presence on screen.
However, the film is not without its detractors. A number of reviews, particularly from overseas audiences and film critics, have pointed out several flaws that prevent Coolie from being a flawless masterpiece. The primary criticism centers on the screenplay, with some calling it “monotonous” and “bloated.” The second half of the film, in particular, is noted to have pacing issues, with certain sequences dragging on and a predictable climax. While the climax itself is a visual treat, the narrative build-up to it has left some viewers feeling underwhelmed. A prominent film critic, in a 2.5-star review, noted, “The film starts with promise, but it struggles to be a cohesive narrative. The director seems to be straining to hold onto a sense of linearity, and while there are flashes of brilliance, the overall screenplay is a letdown.” The de-aging technology used for some of the flashback scenes has received both praise and criticism, with some calling it a “visual treat” while others found it jarring.
The Legacy and The Road Ahead
Despite the mixed reviews, one thing is clear: Coolie is a film made for the fans, and it delivers on that front. It is a celebration of Rajinikanth’s enduring legacy and his 50 years in the film industry. The film’s success, both critically and commercially, will not be judged on a single day’s performance but on its ability to sustain the momentum over the coming weeks. The ‘A’ certificate, while limiting the family audience, has drawn in a more mature demographic eager for a gritty, uncompromised action film. The clash with another major release, War 2, adds an interesting dynamic to the box office race, but the initial reports suggest that Coolie is more than holding its own.
As the box office numbers pour in and more viewers share their opinions, the debate around Coolie will continue. The film’s legacy will be a fascinating case study in balancing a superstar’s larger-than-life persona with a director’s unique cinematic vision. For now, the roar of the fans celebrating the return of their “Thalaivar” is loud enough to drown out the critical murmurs.
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